Overview of Crataegus sanguinea
Crataegus sanguinea, also known as the red hawthorn or red-fruit hawthorn, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to Europe and western Asia. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a close relative of the apple and pear trees. The species name sanguinea refers to the reddish color of its fruit.
Description of Crataegus sanguinea
The red hawthorn typically grows up to 10-15 feet tall, with a rounded crown and thorny branches. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, and lobed, with toothed margins and a glossy dark green color above and paler beneath. The flowers are white, pink, or red, and grow in clusters from May to June. The fruit is a small pome, less than 1 cm in diameter, and turns from green to bright red in late summer.
Uses of Crataegus sanguinea
The red hawthorn has multiple uses in traditional medicine, particularly for cardiovascular and digestive problems. Its leaves, flowers, and fruits contain flavonoids, saponins, and other compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering properties. The fruits can be eaten fresh or cooked into jams, jellies, and wines. The wood is hard and dense, and has been used for tool handles, fence posts, and firewood. The red hawthorn is also planted as an ornamental tree or hedge, for its showy flowers and berries, and to attract birds and pollinators.
Light Requirements
Crataegus sanguinea is a species of plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours per day to ensure optimal growth. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade may be necessary, especially during the hottest part of the day to avoid sunscald on the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus sanguinea grows best in temperate climates with mild temperatures. It is moderately cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 10°C and 25°C. Extreme temperatures, especially prolonged cold spells, can damage the plant and hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires moist, well-draining soil with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. Crataegus sanguinea grows best in soils with high organic matter content, such as loamy soils. The plant is not tolerant of wet or poorly drained soils, which may lead to root rot, and therefore requires adequate drainage. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, as long as they are fertile, drain well, and retain moisture.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus sanguinea, commonly known as the red hawthorn, is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal attention to grow. It grows well in most soil types, including clay, loam or sandy soils, as long as the drainage is adequate. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can also grow in partial shade. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 – 8.
Watering needs
The red hawthorn plant has moderate water needs and can tolerate short periods of drought. However, it would help if you watered it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
You can use a balanced slow-release fertilizer to feed the red hawthorn twice a year, in the spring and fall. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, making sure not to get it on the foliage or stem. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure to add nutrients to the soil and improve the soil structure.
Pruning
The red hawthorn plant requires minimal pruning, but it is still necessary to remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can also prune to shape the plant or control its size, but do not prune more than 1/3 of the plant's total height.
Propagation of Crataegus Sanguinea
Crataegus sanguinea, commonly known as Red Hawthorn, belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is widely propagated using various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Propagation via seeds is one of the simplest methods to grow Crataegus sanguinea. Collect the fresh seeds and sow them, either in the fall or the spring season. Seeds should be stratified for at least 60 to 90 days before planting. Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep them in a moist and shady spot until germination.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another effective way to grow the Red Hawthorn plant. Take a semi-hardwood cutting in the summer season, with a length of around 8 to 10 inches, from healthy and disease-free parent plants.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into a pot or a bed of soilless media, like peat moss and perlite. Maintain soil moisture, warm temperature, and sheltered sunlight while rooted cuttings undergo propagation.
Grafting
Grafting is a popular propagation method for Crataegus sanguinea and other hawthorn species. In this method, a scion of desired variety with a diameter of ¼ to ? inch is grafted onto the rootstock of a related species, like the common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).
The rootstock works as a support system for the scion and provides good root development. The grafting process should be done in the early spring season, and plants need to be kept covered and protected until they reach the desired height and size.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus sanguinea
Crataegus sanguinea, commonly known as the red hawthorn or the crimson hawthorn, is a hardy deciduous plant known for its showy flowers, dense foliage, and small edible fruit. However, like many other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may cause damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Crataegus sanguinea and how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: This fungal disease appears as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves, followed by the formation of orange or red spore horns on the undersurface. The disease can cause defoliation, twig dieback, and fruit drop. It can be managed by planting resistant cultivars, pruning infected twigs, and applying fungicides during the spring before buds break.
2. Fire Blight: This bacterial disease affects young shoots, causing leaves and twigs to turn black and wilt. It can also cause cankers to develop on the branches, which can result in dieback. Pruning infected branches and applying copper-based fungicides during the dormant season can help manage this disease.
3. Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves, eventually causing them to fall prematurely. It can be managed by raking and disposing of fallen leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides during the growing season.
Pests
1. Japanese Beetles: These insects feed on the foliage, causing skeletonization of the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or applying milky spore to control the grubs.
2. Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the leaves, causing them to appear stippled and yellow. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by releasing beneficial predatory mites.
3. Tent Caterpillars: These caterpillars form webs on the branches, which can defoliate the plant. They can be managed by handpicking and destroying the egg masses during the winter, using Bacillus thuringiensis during the spring, or by releasing parasitic wasps.
In conclusion, preventing diseases and pests from affecting Crataegus sanguinea begins with choosing the right cultivar for the planting location, ensuring proper soil conditions, and providing adequate water. Monitoring the plant regularly for signs of diseases and pests, and taking action promptly, can help manage the problems and keep the plant healthy.
